After becoming an iconic metal band that’s been around for more than 30 years, you should expect the mainstream world to eventually co-opt elements of you, even by the least expected personalities. Bands like Metallica and Slayer have been popping up as fashion trends for a while, as we’ve seen with Justin Bieber repping Metallica shirts every now and then or the Kardashians wearing overly expensive Slayer and Metallica shirts. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), the trend doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.
Former One Direction singer Zayn Malik released a new shirt inspired by Slayer’s imagery, including a Slayer-like logo, as a new piece of merch. The idea wasn’t an accident, as Malik hired actual heavy metal graphic designer Mark Wilkinson, who’s previously worked with bands including Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. He explained:
“Everything was created with the idea that this is something I would want to wear,” said Malik in an interview with Vogue. “I wanted to approach this as an opportunity to extend my ideas as an artist, and to give fans another facet of who I am.”
Does that mean Malik is also a closet metal head? Maybe, if we take this tribute (rip-off?) as one of those “facets” he refers to above. You can get this “Zday vintage design” shirt for $35 right here.
Now, if you think you this appropriation is only going one direction (zing!), Metallica has proven that we can play the same game as they seem interested in invading the high-end fashion world.
